- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya, sparking widespread condemnation
- Kiambu senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa explained why attackers have consistently targeted Gachagua in churches and in the Mt. Kenya region
- He also clarified the main reason behind the attacks and why Gachagua’s supporters became so loud after the Othaya incident
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has five years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
The attack on the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, at the Witima ACK Church in Othaya on Sunday, January 25, has continued to trigger widespread condemnation.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua had attended a service at the Nyeri church when police officers stormed the church, lobbed tear gas, and fired shots, causing chaos and bringing the celebration to a halt.
The officers, allegedly mobilised by lawmakers from the region, also torched Gachagua’s car and destroyed and deflated several cars parked within the region.
The attack, which also resulted in alleged multiple injuries, sparked widespread concerns across the country, with many questioning why the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is always attacked in churches or enclosed areas.
Why was Gachagua attacked at Othaya church?
Speaking during an interview on NTV Kenya on Monday, January 26, Kiambu senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa responded to public queries, alleging that the suspected organisers and attackers of the DCP leader cannot face the mass that Gachagua always draws to his rallies.
He noted that the officials prefer attacking Gachagua at the church because of a smaller following and also to create fear among the faithful.
“They are unable to attack us during rallies because of the public. There are so many people outside that are going to overwhelm them. The 15 rogue police officers cannot attack a public rally because we are thousands. The public is not afraid. They can face them.
But when it comes to church, it is an enclosed place. We are all in church, looking at the altar and listening to the word. That is a place where we do not have many people with us. So they attack the church because they want to create fear within the church fraternity,” he explained.
Source: Facebook
Why do Gachagua’s attackers target Mt. Kenya region?
Karungo claimed that the Witima church was not full on the day of the attack because of the tension allegedly created by the area Member of Parliament and his personal assistant.
He also alleged that the attacks majorly occur in the Mt Kenya region because ‘President William Ruto is afraid that the mountain is gone.’
The senator further claimed that the government targets Gachagua due to his large following and influence across the country.
“They know Gachagua is listened to by everybody in this country, and they don’t want him to speak… We do not always shout because we do not want our people to see what we go through. As a leader, sometimes you have to face it yourself. But yesterday, it brought pain to women and children, that is why we are speaking about it more loudly,” he said.
How did Gachagua’s team escape attack?
In related news, Gachagua revealed that his bodyguard was targeted for a shot during the violent encounter.
He stated that the Witima ACK reverend gave the guard his robes and uniforms to wear during the chaotic evacuation.
This, according to him, confused the officers who were baying for their blood. He also noted that his team were given the choir uniforms to help them escape the attack.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
